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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Austin. Written by Nicole Cobler and Asher Price.

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FBI investigating Austin mass shooting as potential terrorism

The first 911 call came in just before 2am Sunday, officials say.

Politics & Policy

The gunman in an early Sunday mass shooting in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin" data-vars-content-id="a6e877be-35a3-4ad1-94d0-cc98602cf4f9" data-vars-headline="FBI investigating Austin mass shooting as potential terrorism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin" target="_self">Austin</a> wore a sweatshirt that said &quot;Property of Allah&quot; and another shirt with an Iranian flag design, a law enforcement official <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/austin-texas-bar-shooting-7690f931ba00f950c1828cef25399bb6" data-vars-content-id="a6e877be-35a3-4ad1-94d0-cc98602cf4f9" data-vars-headline="FBI investigating Austin mass shooting as potential terrorism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-texas-bar-shooting-7690f931ba00f950c1828cef25399bb6" target="_blank">told</a> AP.<ul><li>The FBI is investigating the shooting in a downtown bar district as a potential act of terrorism.</li></ul>

Austin airport aims to expand international destinations

Austin airport eyes international routes from Seoul to Dublin.

News

Austin officials want to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="land nonstop routes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/travel" data-vars-content-id="eead0aec-0913-42ca-a261-4b45d0d65285" data-vars-headline="Austin airport aims to expand international destinations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/travel" target="_self">land nonstop routes</a> to Paris, Tokyo, Istanbul and other international destinations, per a presentation to a city commission this month.Why it matters: Nabbing international routes elevates <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/12/20/top-spots-kill-time-austin-airport" data-vars-content-id="eead0aec-0913-42ca-a261-4b45d0d65285" data-vars-headline="Austin airport aims to expand international destinations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/12/20/top-spots-kill-time-austin-airport" target="_self">Austin</a> as a destination for business and pleasure and confirms its presence on the international stage.

Austin kids describe life inside immigration detention

The letters give a window into life inside the immigration detention center in Dilley.

Austin-area children detained with their parents at a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South Texas immigration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/06/corecivic-immigrant-family-detention-center-texas" data-vars-content-id="fdacb6cd-5a9f-4a2d-80fc-929417743158" data-vars-headline="Austin kids describe life inside immigration detention" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/06/corecivic-immigrant-family-detention-center-texas" target="_self">South Texas immigration</a> facility describe missing basic comforts and feeling trapped, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="letters published this month by ProPublica" data-vars-click-url="https://www.propublica.org/article/ice-dilley-children-letters" data-vars-content-id="fdacb6cd-5a9f-4a2d-80fc-929417743158" data-vars-headline="Austin kids describe life inside immigration detention" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.propublica.org/article/ice-dilley-children-letters" target="_blank">letters published this month by ProPublica</a>. The big picture: The letters give a window into life inside the immigration detention center in Dilley — and how some of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the hundreds of children" data-vars-click-url="https://www.propublica.org/article/life-inside-ice-dilley-children" data-vars-content-id="fdacb6cd-5a9f-4a2d-80fc-929417743158" data-vars-headline="Austin kids describe life inside immigration detention" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.propublica.org/article/life-inside-ice-dilley-children" target="_blank">the hundreds of children</a> there are faring.

Texas families are opting for cremations over burials

Cremations are now twice as common as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="burials" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/29/gen-z-funeral-death-preferences-baby-boomers-cremation" data-vars-content-id="3a6bb65c-3471-414b-a911-9083b5a099e4" data-vars-headline="Texas families are opting for cremations over burials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/29/gen-z-funeral-death-preferences-baby-boomers-cremation" target="_self">burials</a> in the U.S., reversing a norm from two decades ago, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the National Funeral Directors Association" data-vars-click-url="https://nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/9786/nfda-releases-2025-cremation-burial-report-comprehensive-insights-to-guide-the-future-of-funeral-service" data-vars-content-id="3a6bb65c-3471-414b-a911-9083b5a099e4" data-vars-headline="Texas families are opting for cremations over burials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/9786/nfda-releases-2025-cremation-burial-report-comprehensive-insights-to-guide-the-future-of-funeral-service" target="_blank">the National Funeral Directors Association</a>.Why it matters: Shifting attitudes around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="religion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/05/religion-americans-spiritual-survey" data-vars-content-id="3a6bb65c-3471-414b-a911-9083b5a099e4" data-vars-headline="Texas families are opting for cremations over burials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/05/religion-americans-spiritual-survey" target="_self">religion</a>, cost and the environment are reshaping how Americans — and Austinites — handle death.

New romance bookstore opens in East Austin

Finney's Books opened in December, shortly after the release of "Heated Rivalry."

Finney&#x27;s Books, a new romance bookstore in East Austin, is riding a wave of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reader enthusiasm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/07/hot-romance-novel-recs-houston-romance-bookstore" data-vars-content-id="ace01b72-38e0-41d7-b205-910434bffc5d" data-vars-headline="New romance bookstore opens in East Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/07/hot-romance-novel-recs-houston-romance-bookstore" target="_self">reader enthusiasm</a> for genre-specific spaces.Why it matters: Romance is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="having a moment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/02/10/romance-bookstores-book-clubs-romantasy" data-vars-content-id="ace01b72-38e0-41d7-b205-910434bffc5d" data-vars-headline="New romance bookstore opens in East Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/02/10/romance-bookstores-book-clubs-romantasy" target="_self">having a moment</a>. Niche bookstores like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Finney&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.finneysbooks.com/about" data-vars-content-id="ace01b72-38e0-41d7-b205-910434bffc5d" data-vars-headline="New romance bookstore opens in East Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.finneysbooks.com/about" target="_blank">Finney&#x27;s</a> are popping up across the country, and screen <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="adaptations have helped sales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/07/10/2701952/0/en/From-Laggard-to-Leader-Record-Sales-of-Romance-Books-Reflect-Next-Generation-of-Contemporary-Readers.html" data-vars-content-id="ace01b72-38e0-41d7-b205-910434bffc5d" data-vars-headline="New romance bookstore opens in East Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/07/10/2701952/0/en/From-Laggard-to-Leader-Record-Sales-of-Romance-Books-Reflect-Next-Generation-of-Contemporary-Readers.html" target="_blank">adaptations have helped sales</a> of romance novels climb.

Where Austinites are making their own gifts

You can make your own meaningful holiday gift at studios around Austin.

Things to Do

Handmade gifts are having a moment, and there are tons of spots around town to try your hand at a new craft.The big picture: Younger generations are shifting to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hands-on hobbies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-austin-98968248-277b-4fd7-a948-817a8449f0e5.html?chunk=1&amp;utm_term=twsocialshare#story1" data-vars-content-id="5289029f-6cd1-4b93-9c73-999a9fede800" data-vars-headline="Where Austinites are making their own gifts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-austin-98968248-277b-4fd7-a948-817a8449f0e5.html?chunk=1&amp;utm_term=twsocialshare#story1" target="_self">hands-on hobbies</a> like needlepoint and pottery, says Claire Tassin, a retail and e-commerce analyst at Morning Consult. Plus, homemade gifts help save money.

A jazzy "Nutcracker" hits Austin for one night only

Their show reimagines the classic party scene from "The Nutcracker."

An Austin nonprofit is preparing for an ambitious one-night-only performance of Duke Ellington&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Nutcracker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/12/06/ballet-austin-nutcracker-long-center" data-vars-content-id="af5c0008-7bf7-44fe-9525-71106982abf7" data-vars-headline="A jazzy &quot;Nutcracker&quot; hits Austin for one night only" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/12/06/ballet-austin-nutcracker-long-center" target="_self">The Nutcracker</a>.&quot;Why it matters: The show on Dec. 19 is the first major performance for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Capital Contemporary Ballet" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atxartists.org/capital-contemporary-ballet?utm_source=ig&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=link_in_bio&amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnsUYoEiaEUbZjdxjtuM-GL-OROk2c5zIbqL8BOatTEjJjj7E1-Dmf_iKzahs_aem_120GYBsCq-n2srhQ2lZ9og" data-vars-content-id="af5c0008-7bf7-44fe-9525-71106982abf7" data-vars-headline="A jazzy &quot;Nutcracker&quot; hits Austin for one night only" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atxartists.org/capital-contemporary-ballet?utm_source=ig&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=link_in_bio&amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnsUYoEiaEUbZjdxjtuM-GL-OROk2c5zIbqL8BOatTEjJjj7E1-Dmf_iKzahs_aem_120GYBsCq-n2srhQ2lZ9og" target="_blank">Capital Contemporary Ballet</a> and a significant milestone for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ATX Jazz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atxartists.org/atx-jazz-orchestra" data-vars-content-id="af5c0008-7bf7-44fe-9525-71106982abf7" data-vars-headline="A jazzy &quot;Nutcracker&quot; hits Austin for one night only" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atxartists.org/atx-jazz-orchestra" target="_blank">ATX Jazz</a> Orchestra, which together form the core of the newly launched nonprofit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ATX Artists for Social Impact" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atxartists.org/" data-vars-content-id="af5c0008-7bf7-44fe-9525-71106982abf7" data-vars-headline="A jazzy &quot;Nutcracker&quot; hits Austin for one night only" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atxartists.org/" target="_blank">ATX Artists for Social Impact</a>.

Spotify: Austin's top songs of 2025

Kendrick Lamar's "luther (with sza)" took the top spot.

Culture

Kendrick Lamar&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Luther" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/track/45J4avUb9Ni0bnETYaYFVJ" data-vars-content-id="ebe6bf30-29fa-46f0-baf4-1495af208a6f" data-vars-headline="Spotify: Austin&#x27;s top songs of 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/45J4avUb9Ni0bnETYaYFVJ" target="_blank">Luther</a>&quot; (with SZA) was the most-streamed song on Spotify in Austin this year.Why it matters: Austin&#x27;s Wrapped shows a more Spanish-language tilt with Bad Bunny&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="DtMF" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/track/3sK8wGT43QFpWrvNQsrQya?si=aa214c82321c4990" data-vars-content-id="ebe6bf30-29fa-46f0-baf4-1495af208a6f" data-vars-headline="Spotify: Austin&#x27;s top songs of 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/3sK8wGT43QFpWrvNQsrQya?si=aa214c82321c4990" target="_blank">DtMF</a>&quot; landing in the No. 2 spot.

Raul De Lara reconnects with his Austin roots in new exhibition

De Lara's first solo museum exhibition in Texas draws heavily from his experience as a Mexican immigrant growing up in Austin.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Contemporary Austin&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://thecontemporaryaustin.org/" data-vars-content-id="4e24d325-8a9b-4779-9797-8c56da729ab5" data-vars-headline="Raul De Lara reconnects with his Austin roots in new exhibition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thecontemporaryaustin.org/" target="_blank">Contemporary Austin&#x27;s</a> latest exhibition from sculptor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raul De Lara" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rauldelara.com/" data-vars-content-id="4e24d325-8a9b-4779-9797-8c56da729ab5" data-vars-headline="Raul De Lara reconnects with his Austin roots in new exhibition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rauldelara.com/" target="_blank">Raul De Lara</a> uses woodwork to explore identity, belonging and stories carried across borders.Why it matters: It&#x27;s De Lara&#x27;s first solo <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/09/19/austin-museum-day-free-events" data-vars-content-id="4e24d325-8a9b-4779-9797-8c56da729ab5" data-vars-headline="Raul De Lara reconnects with his Austin roots in new exhibition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/09/19/austin-museum-day-free-events" target="_self">museum</a> exhibition in Texas, and his work draws heavily from his experience as a Mexican immigrant growing up in Austin.

Vintage gowns are getting a second life in latest bridal trend

Couples are embracing vintage elements and repurposing vintage gowns from family members.

Business

A growing number of brides are repurposing their mothers&#x27; wedding gowns for their own special day.Why it matters: As the costs of weddings <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continue to climb" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/19/wedding-costs-tariffs-prices" data-vars-content-id="1e4e49fc-8641-4b5f-8527-c77f764cbb2e" data-vars-headline="Vintage gowns are getting a second life in latest bridal trend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/19/wedding-costs-tariffs-prices" target="_self">continue to climb</a>, the trend is another way couples are blending sustainability with sentimentality.

Very best Austin day with artist Todd Sanders

How a local artist famed for his neon likes to brighten his life.

We caught up recently with neon artist Todd Sanders to ask about his ideal Austin day.Why it matters: His commercial and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fine art work" data-vars-click-url="https://wcc.art/artist/todd-sanders" data-vars-content-id="c21869ae-a349-4cb5-82cd-d83a6e35ef13" data-vars-headline="Very best Austin day with artist Todd Sanders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wcc.art/artist/todd-sanders" target="_blank">fine art work</a> evokes a bygone period of classic cars and rock-and-roll in Austin.

Vote for Texas' most iconic food

Tamales, Texas sheet cake and smoked brisket are among the contenders.

The famed Texas breakfast plate vs. the famed Texas breakfast to go. A smokehouse staple vs. a diner favorite. Texas&#x27; most famous foods are about to face off bracket-style.<ul><li>And you get to pick the winners.</li></ul>

Where to find hotel pool passes in Austin

You can swim for the day without paying for a hotel room in many Austin hotels.

Beyond Austin&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beautiful public pools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/08/03/where-to-swim-for-free-in-austin" data-vars-content-id="78971793-9647-43fb-84b6-782dc26d3adf" data-vars-headline="Where to find hotel pool passes in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/08/03/where-to-swim-for-free-in-austin" target="_self">beautiful public pools</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="swimming holes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/06/02/austin-outdoor-recreation-guide" data-vars-content-id="78971793-9647-43fb-84b6-782dc26d3adf" data-vars-headline="Where to find hotel pool passes in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/06/02/austin-outdoor-recreation-guide" target="_self">swimming holes</a>, a growing number of hotels are opening their doors to let locals enjoy their chic pool decks.

Things to do in Austin this week

Food and Drink

We&#x27;ve got you covered with some work-week plans.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Monday</h2>🤣 Find a lineup of comedians throughout the week at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Moontower Comedy Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.austintheatre.org/moontower-comedy/" data-vars-content-id="961d64a8-dcef-40db-a6c5-991a0869ca0f" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Austin this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.austintheatre.org/moontower-comedy/" target="_blank">Moontower Comedy Festival</a>. Badges are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="still available" data-vars-click-url="https://www.austintheatre.org/moontower-comedy/badges/" data-vars-content-id="961d64a8-dcef-40db-a6c5-991a0869ca0f" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Austin this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.austintheatre.org/moontower-comedy/badges/" target="_blank">still available</a> or you can snag tickets to individual shows.

Culture

New romance bookstore opens in East Austin

Where Austinites are making their own gifts

A jazzy "Nutcracker" hits Austin for one night only

Things to do in Austin this weekend

Spotify: Austin's top songs of 2025